Omega 3 Fatty Acid to Reduce Frequency of Seizures in Children

Have you ever wondered what are some of the natural cures or remedies for seizures? Well, read on to find out

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological brain disorder that leads to a person having repeated seizures also called fits. About one in 200 children have epilepsy (1). During seizures, there is abnormal excessive electrical activity in the brain, and this causes the person to convulse (their muscles jerk), fall, or behave strangely (e.g. stare into space, not respond when spoken to). 

Causes of Epilepsy

For most children with epilepsy can be due to genetics or they can develop it after a severe head injury, stroke or brain infection. Epilepsy can also be a result of a brain malformation or benign (non-cancerous) tumour, which may be present from birth.

Omega 3 as part of the treatment plan for Epilepsy

Omega-3s are fatty acids that are integral to many aspects of health, including development, brain function, heart health, and immunity.

They’re considered essential fatty acids because your body cannot produce them on its own and needs to obtain them from food.

The three main types are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

ALA is present in a variety of plant foods, including vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and certain vegetables. Yet, it isn’t active in your body, and your body only converts it into active forms, such as DHA and EPA, in very small amounts (2).

Meanwhile, EPA and DHA occur naturally in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna, and are widely available in supplements.

While many types of omega-3 supplements exist, some of the most common are fish oil, krill oil, cod liver oil and algae oil.

Benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids

• Enhances Brain Health
• Promotes Better Sleep
• Helps reduce Symptoms of ADHD
• Reduces Asthma

However, can Omega 3 fatty acids help children with epilepsy?

A new study has shown that Children with epilepsy had fewer and less severe seizures after taking omega-3 PUFAs when used in combination with anti-epileptic drugs

The research team, led by Prof. Christopher DeGiorgio of the Department of Neurology at the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine, says their findings are significantly useful to epilepsy patients (3,4). 

The research concluded that omega 3 is linked to reduce brain cell excitability among epileptics, which may curb seizures.

By Introducing a low dose of Omega 3 supplementation everyday into a child’s diet it has been proven to improve seizure control at a lesser cost and without side effects.

A story

A child who had been having Epileptic fits since the age of 3 started taking daily low dosages of omega 3 supplements. His seizures reduced significantly within 10 weeks and after 12 months was able to completely get off the anti-epileptic drugs. 6 months on after stopping medication he has not had a single seizure. He continues to take omega 3 daily.

Omega 3 is especially useful for medically resistant epilepsy. 

Diet and Epilepsy

Researchers have also found that a high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic and modified Atkins diets can be followed as part of the treatment of epilepsy.  Both diets have proved successful in children (5).

For correct dosages of omega 3 for children please obtain medical advice from a registered practitioner

Disclaimer: The content provided in this article, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or certified health care worker who can provide personalised advice. 

References

1. Epilepsy an Overview, Royal Children’s Hospital. Link here: https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Epilepsy_an_overview/
2. Health line, What are omega 3 fatty Acids link here https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-are-omega-3-fatty-acids
3. Diala M, Nesrin K. et al. Fish Oil Intake and Seizure Control in Children with Medically Resistant Epilepsy. PMID: 26258079 Link here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4525390/
4. Medical News Today, Omega-3 fish oil could reduce seizure frequency for epilepsy patients link here https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/282192.php#2
5. Epilepsy action Australia, dietary Therapies for Epilepsy. Link here: https://www.epilepsy.org.au/about-epilepsy/managing-epilepsy/treatment/ketogenic-diet/